The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued new travel alerts to British people scheduled to visit Belgium as they embrace the nation for a week of “serious travel disruption” due to industrial measures. Train services are expected to be hit hardest by strikes.
“The railway union will attack on April 22nd and 29th,” advised the UK Government Bureau. “There could be a big disruption throughout the rail network.” A general strike is planned for April 29th, which could cause serious travel disruptions across the country. ”
The strike in Belgium is highlighted as a lasting issue that could affect both local and international travel. These industrial actions that frequently target major urban areas can be called with most warnings, and there is always a risk that a planned strike could be extended unexpectedly.
On the day of the strike, demonstrations and protests broke out at the same time. Brits traveling to Belgium are being encouraged to monitor local media and work with travel operators to continue to recognize change.
Despite the declining service, Belgian Railways plans to implement “alternative services” based on staff available. A recent update dated April 20th stated, “Due to the strike measures announced by five unions against measures included in the government agreement, train availability will be restricted from 10pm on Monday, April 21st to Tuesday, April 22nd (final train).
“We will implement alternative services according to staff availability to address a limited number of trains running,” he added: “The alternative services will be displayed 24 hours in advance on this website and on the Journey Planner on the SNCB-NMBS app.
“For more information about international traffic, please visit the SNCB-NMBS International website.” Beyond this, visitors can use localized updates using maps here and local websites such as Brussels, Waloon and Flanders.
“For regular updates on disruptions, please check the local news and follow the advice given by your travel provider,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. “If you are in an area where there are large gatherings, be vigilant if there are signs of disability and leave immediately.
“Without protests, expect some major road delays and follow the advice of the authorities.” The transport strike in Belgium erupted just months after a massive public protest over the proposed pension change.
Reforms encourage people to work beyond the retirement points in “35 years of service,” while punishing those who have not achieved the 35-year mark.
The demonstration evolved into a few days of strikes, causing a dramatic change in a trip that saw hundreds of flight cancellations. Protesters were also seen causing fireworks, but police reportedly used tear gas and water supplies to crowds gathered outside the party's headquarters.
“Demonstrations and strikes often take place in major cities, particularly in the transportation hubs and around the Chemand region of Brussels (EU quarter),” further advice from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs explains. “Most demonstrations are peaceful, but there is a risk of anxiety and violence, and there was violence following major sports equipment.
“Peasanctuary demonstrations can block major roads and slow traffic. Schumann area demonstrations could affect access to British Embassy and British Consulate Generals.”
You can also visit the government website for more information.
